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Hurricane Preparedness for Pets

With the advent of hurricane season soon approaching, you should have an evacuation plan for your family, including your pets.  When evacuating the parish, it is imperative that you take your pet with you. Animals left behind will most likely become victims of environmental exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food and water, or accidents.  People returning to the area after a disaster may also fend for their property by shooting animals.  Do not leave your pet restrained outside.

Prepare a hurricane kit for you pet.  In a sturdy, waterproof container, your hurricane kit should include:

  1. Leashes, harnesses, andpet carriers to transport pets safely.  The carriers should be large enough for your pet to stand and move around.  Your pet may be in a carrier for hours at a time.
  2. Identification records which includes:
    1. rabies tag, which your pet should be wearing at all times
    2. medical records
    3. photographs of your pet, include photos of distinguishable markings in case  you and your pet become separated
  3. Food and water for at least 3 days for each pet
  4. Cat litter and a cat box for your pet cat
  5. Manual can opener
  6. Information of feeding schedules, behavior problems and name and number of your pets veterinarian
  7. Pet beds and toys to reduce any stress
  8. Plastic trash bags, grooming items , bleach, paper towels, newspaper

Now is a good time to locate pet friendly hotels and motels.  Calling ahead of time for kenneling is also a good idea.  Make a list and keep them handy during your evacuation.  Since resources are limited, the Plaquemines Parish Animal Facility will not be able to house animals during an evacuation. Plaquemines Parish will NOT accept your pet if you are self-evacuating. The following websites will help you get started in locating pet friendly lodging:

http://www.pets-allowed-hotels.com/
http://www.petswelcome.com/

If you have no other alternative but to leave your pet at home as a hurricane approaches, you are advised to do the following:

  • Keep them in a small room away from window, preferably with hard wood floors
  • Leave dry pet food and leave plenty of water (i.e., bathtub full of water or the toilet seat up)
  • Do not leave dogs and cats to co-mingle, no matter how friendly they are.  Leave more aggressive dogs in a kennel
  • If you cannot travel home right away and if you pet needs to be rescued, please call the Plaquemines Parish Animal Control Department and leave your name, address, phone number, etc.  An attemptmay be made to rescue your pet. 

After the storm, do not allow your animals to roam loose.  Make sure your pets are restrained or confined at all times.

Be patient with your pet.  They may become disoriented which leads to stress.  If behavioral problems persist, call your veterinarian.

If your pet is lost at anytime, please call local veterinary clinics, Plaquemines Parish Animal Control (504) 394-3510, or the national lost pet hotline, 1-900-535-1515.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING PET EVACUATIONS

If I require parish assisted evacuation, where should I go with my pet when a mandatory evacuation is called? You bring your pet with you to the evacuation point (Belle Chasse Auditorium) Your pet will be registered and identified with a temporary collar bearing your initials and your driver’s license or LA ID number.  Pets will be transported to a pet evacuation shelter via animal transport.  Small pets should be in a carrier. Large pets should be in a carrier.  You should bring: a one week supply of special food or medication that your pet needs and copies of medical records.

What if I don’t have a kennel for my pet?  Will I be turned away? You will not be turned away. However, it’s highly recommended that all small animals arrive in carriers as they can easily escape.  All pet supply stores sell carriers.  If you don’t have the money to purchase a small carrier, please put your cat in a pillow case and tie it at the end.  Be sure to support the cat’s body weight.

I have a small pet.  If I require parish assisted evacuation, can my pet ride on my lap? No. Pets are not allowed on buses with the general public.  Only service animals are permitted.

Will there be pet-friendly shelters available for my pet and me if I can self-evacuate? Yes. There will be state designated shelters available on first come, first serve basis. They will fill quickly. Pet friendly shelters should be your last resort. You will be expected to care for your pet at these facilities. Please bring all necessary items (e.g.  Kennel, medication, food, cage, leashes, collar, litter box, etc.) That will allow you to provide proper care to your pet. 

Make personal evacuation plans with your pets in mind.  Pet friendly hotels are available.  Check: www.petswelcome.com or www.pets-allowed-hotels.com.

Will I be able to stay with my pet in the shelter? There is no guarantee that you and your pet will be at the same location.  It is important that you:

  • Microchip your pet
  • Tag your pet's collar with your name and contact information
  • Take a photo of your with your pet
  • Keep a copy of your pet's medical records with you.

If I require parish assisted evacuation, and my pet cannot go, what should I do? Reach out to other family and friends and ask them to care for your pet for you. As a last resort, Shelter your pet at home:

  1. Be sure to leave adequate water
  2. Allow your pet to freely roam the house; do not kennel or close off rooms
  3. Let officials know that your pet will be sheltered at your home

For questions, call Animal Control: 504-394-3510.

Do You Need Assistance with
Pet Evacuations during an Emergency?

If you do not have immediate transportation to evacuate, there will be a parish pick up point for those needing assistance with pet evacuations. Separate transportation will be provided for you and your pet. No Parish shelter will open during parish wide evacuations. You and your pet(s) will be transported to a state designated shelter. You will be required to care for your pet once you arrive at the shelter. Make sure you have:

A pet carrier adequately sized for your pet

Medications

Vaccination records, i.e. rabies

Enough food and water to last several days

Leashes and/or harnesses

Current photos of your pets

Bowls, cat litter/pan and can opener

Name and number of your veterinarian

If you have questions or wish to pre-register your pet please call the
Animal Control Department at 504-394-3510.